FENrnb1kbnr/pp2pppp/2p5/q7/2B5/2NP4/PPP2PPP/R1BQK1NR b KQkq -
Scandinavian Defense: Main Line: what to play after d3?
Best move
Nf6+0.46
By playing Nf6, you are prioritizing natural development and preparing for kingside castling. The f6 exerts immediate pressure on the center, specifically controlling the e4 and…
- Games played
- 235K
- To move
- Black
- Evaluation
- +0.46
- Depth
- 22
Game counts: Lichess opening book. Move ranking and evaluation: Stockfish. How this page is built
Why Nf6 is the best move
Nf6! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 3 top moves — you found the most precise way to handle the opening!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing Nf6, you are prioritizing natural development and preparing for kingside castling. The f6 exerts immediate pressure on the center, specifically controlling the e4 and d5 squares, while keeping your options flexible.
Multiple Valid Strategies
This position is a "fork in the road" where three different setups are equally strong. You chose the most popular and active one!
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Nf6 | +0.46 | Classical: Develops the kingside and prepares to challenge the center immediately. |
| e6 | +0.55 | Solid: Blunts the c4's diagonal and prepares for a sturdy, Caro-Kann style structure. |
| Nd7 | +0.58 | Flexible: Supports the c5 break and keeps the kingside knight's options open. |
Different paths, same destination:
While e6 is more cautious, your choice of Nf6 is the most principled. It forces White to decide how to defend the e4 pawn or develop their own pieces. About 44% of high-level players prefer your move because it maintains the highest level of activity.
Your Continuation
After Nf6:
Bd2 Qc7 Qf3 Nbd7 O-O-O
White will likely try to harass your a5 with Bd2, but you have a clear plan to tuck the Queen back to c7 and complete your development.
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That the pressure on the c3 and the open lines for your Queen mean you don't need to play purely defensively. Developing the knight is the most efficient way to transition into a comfortable middlegame.
📚 Takeaway: When you have multiple "best" moves, trust your intuition. You chose the most active and challenging path for White!
What else gets played here
Move choices from 235K games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nf6Engine pick | +0.46 | 206K | 52% | |
| e6 | +0.55 | 25K | 52% | |
| Nd7 | +0.58 | 1.7K | 55% | |
| g6 | +0.77 | 1.5K | 56% | |
| a6 | +0.69 | 0 | — |
The line
More positions in the Scandinavian Defense
- Best moveexd5Pawn e4 → d5Scandinavian Defense153M games
- Best moveNf6Knight g8 → f6Scandinavian Defense101M games
- Best moveNc3Knight b1 → c3Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation71M games
- Best moved4Pawn d5 → d4Scandinavian Defense26M games
- Best moveNxd5Knight f6 → d5Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation22M games
- Best movec5Pawn c7 → c5Scandinavian Defense22M games
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for Black in the Scandinavian Defense: Main Line?
Nf6 (+0.46). By playing Nf6, you are prioritizing natural development and preparing for kingside castling. The f6 exerts immediate pressure on the center, specifically controlling the e4 and…
Why is Nf6 the best move here?
By playing Nf6, you are prioritizing natural development and preparing for kingside castling. The f6 exerts immediate pressure on the center, specifically controlling the e4 and d5 squares, while keeping your options flexible.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 235K times in the opening book.